A number of ski areas across Western North America have posted record snowfall totals this winter, with several seeing more than 20 metres (800 inches) accumulate between November and April.
Over a dozen in California, Colorado and Utah have announced extended seasons into May as a result but fir many closing weekends are upon us with Aspen Snowmass, home to four separate ski hills, organising a closing event for three of them individually.
At Snowmass, for the fourth year running, Elk Camp restaurant at Snowmass will host an end of season party this Saturday 15th April featuring DJs, hot tubs, bike-powered margarita blenders and free leis from 11.30am-3.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the ever-popular pond skim in their swimming attire (as pictured above) before continuing the celebrations with fellow skiers and riders in Snowmass Base Village.
Next day, Sunday 16th, at Aspen Highlands, from the first chair until the last call, the final day at Aspen Highlands is set to be buzzing with locals sporting mismatched costumes across the entire mountain. Skiers can stop by Cloud Nine for a glass of champagne and a dance party on the deck, enjoy a live DJ at Merry-Go-Round, or have a snack at “Picnic Point,” where crowds will gather to soak in the views of Pyramid Peak. Don’t miss the ski patrol descent at the base when the crowd honours the team with well-earned cheers for another season.
A week later on the 23rd, as the birthplace of Aspen skiing, Aspen Mountain has many historic traditions for closing day. Locals gather atop Ridge of Bell at 1pm for the infamous “Bump Off,” a kamikaze race down the mogul field under the gondola. Closing day celebrations will also be taking place at the Sundeck, with skiers encouraged to send it down the America’s Downhill Slip & Slide (named after Aspen’s legendary alpine course). Celebrations will continue at the base of Aspen Mountain when lifts close, with Ajax Tavern and Chica open until late for music, dance and fun.
